A brief is a written legal document filed in a litigation or arbitration dispute resolution proceeding in which a party to the dispute recites the facts and the law applicable to the dispute and explains to the court or arbitrator why the party should prevail in the dispute. Courts often have rules regarding the page limits and format for briefs, as well as the method for filing briefs (usually electronically) and delivery of a copies to other parties to the litigation.

In New Mexico, a brief is a formal document submitted to a court by a party involved in litigation or arbitration. This document presents the party's arguments, cites relevant laws and case precedents, and aims to persuade the court or arbitrator of the party's position. New Mexico courts have specific rules regarding the preparation and submission of briefs, which include guidelines on page limits, formatting, and the required structure of the arguments. These rules can be found in the New Mexico Rules of Appellate Procedure for appellate cases, and similar local rules exist for trial courts. Additionally, briefs are typically filed electronically through the New Mexico Courts' Case Access system for appellate courts, or similar e-filing systems for lower courts. Parties are also required to serve copies of their briefs on all other parties involved in the litigation. It is important for parties to adhere to these rules to ensure that their briefs are accepted by the court and properly considered in the resolution of the dispute.